Water meter talk on tap for Port Orange

Published: Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 5:41 p.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 5:52 p.m.

While the federal government continues to negotiate the nation's fiscal challenges, city councilmen will look to resolve Port Orange's water meter and billing troubles.

BIG BUCKS: The Sensus meter company has given the city a warranty replacement and purchase proposal the city has refused. The City Council is expected to discuss the next step for replacing thousands of faulty and failing meters. Those problems contributed to several years of over-and-under billing that has cost Port Orange an estimated $2 million in lost revenue.

MORE BIG BUCKS: The auditor hired to look into whatever mistakes occurred that resulted in the city's billing problems, Alex Kish, will discuss his most recent findings.

SYNTHETIC DRUGS: The council is expected to pass an ordinance banning the purchase, possession, sale and distribution of synthetic drugs that mimic illegal substances in a second and final reading.

CELEBRATION: A reception starts at 5:15 p.m. in the lobby at City Hall honoring the eight employees who retired in 2012. During the council meeting that follows, those former employees will receive proclamations.

WHEN AND WHERE: The City Council's regular meeting starts at 6:30 p.m., the new starting time, at City Hall, 1000 City Center Circle.

<p>While the federal government continues to negotiate the nation's fiscal challenges, city councilmen will look to resolve Port Orange's water meter and billing troubles.</p><p>BIG BUCKS: The Sensus meter company has given the city a warranty replacement and purchase proposal the city has refused. The City Council is expected to discuss the next step for replacing thousands of faulty and failing meters. Those problems contributed to several years of over-and-under billing that has cost Port Orange an estimated $2 million in lost revenue.</p><p>MORE BIG BUCKS: The auditor hired to look into whatever mistakes occurred that resulted in the city's billing problems, Alex Kish, will discuss his most recent findings.</p><p>SYNTHETIC DRUGS: The council is expected to pass an ordinance banning the purchase, possession, sale and distribution of synthetic drugs that mimic illegal substances in a second and final reading.</p><p>CELEBRATION: A reception starts at 5:15 p.m. in the lobby at City Hall honoring the eight employees who retired in 2012. During the council meeting that follows, those former employees will receive proclamations.</p><p>WHEN AND WHERE: The City Council's regular meeting starts at 6:30 p.m., the new starting time, at City Hall, 1000 City Center Circle.</p><p> &mdash; Ray Weiss</p>